Subject: Environment Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested two persons involved in an alleged wildlife smuggling syndicate and seized a consignment of 22 exotic macaws. Concept: The birds were identified as Hyacinth Macaw, Pesquet’s Parrot, Severe Macaw and Hahn’s Macaw. They are all protected species under the Convention on International Trade in […]
Subject: Environment Context: Golden Langurs are facing threat of electrocution from power supply lines. Concept: It is endemic to the semi-evergreen and mixed deciduous forests straddling India and Bhutan. The golden langurs in Assam are hemmed in by three rivers Brahmaputra in the south, Manas in east and Sonkosh in west. Their northern limit […]
Subject: Environment Context: In Annual report published by Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, it was found that total 11,467.83 hectares forest lands were diverted in 22 states between January 1 and November 6, 2019 Concept: Forest land is usually recommended for diversion by state governments for the development of various infrastructure projects or […]
Subject: Environment Context: Kerala government gives nod to Athirappally hydel power project Concept: It is 163-megawatt (MW) Hydro Electric Project proposed on the Chalakudy river in Thrissur district Around 168 hectares of biodiversity-rich forests in the Western Ghats would be submerged if the project got implemented. In addition, Kadar tribal settlements in the forests will […]
Subject: Environment Context: Kerala Forest Department has been given time by NGT to submit report on the steps taken to prevent forest fires and implement the National Action Plan on Forest Fire in the State. Concept: Ministry of Environment, Forest and climate change has prepared a National Action Plan on forest fires in 2018 after […]
Subject: Environment/Geography Context: The colour of water in Lonar Lake has changed to pink Concept: Reason: The low level of water may lead to increased salinity and change in the behaviour of algae because of atmospheric changes. This may be the reason for colour change. This is not the first time that the colour of […]
Subject: Environment Context: Population estimation of Indian gaur has been carried out in Nilgiris forest division. Concept: Gaur, or Indian Bison, is a close wild relative of domestic cattle. The best habitat for gaur is forested hills and grassy areas of south to south east Asia, with undisturbed tracts of forest, water sources and abundant […]
Subject: Environment Context: Recent estimation of Asiatic lions in Gujarat showed increase in species population to 674. Concept: Lion census is conducted once every five years Due to lockdown the census due on this year is not possible. Unlike in previous years, this count was estimated not from a Census, but from a population “observation” […]